Another string of curses pulls me from my thoughts.
"Cole?"
"Yes?"
"I'm stuck."
I step into the bathroom and can't help but chuckle.My fierce woman is tangled in a burgundy half-sleeve shirt, one arm trapped and her head hidden in the fabric.
"For fuck's sake.Stop laughing and help me!"
"Yes, madame.Let the rescue mission begin."
I gently pull at the fabric, mindful of her stitches.She grunts in pain as she moves her arm.
"Should have followed my suggestion about loose-fitting clothes," I say, earning a muffled curse in response.
The moment the doctor signed her discharge papers this morning, Alisha declared she was leaving in style, not in sweats.Now she's paying the price of that stubbornness.When she finally emerges, hair mussed and cheeks flushed, she throws me that beaming grin that makes my heart stop.
"I'm not a shabby outfit girl, Walker.You should know that by now."
She smooths her hands over her chestnut brown skirt, then reaches for her hair.
"No, leave it loose," I murmur, closing the distance between us.She smirks as my hands find her hips, pulling her close."Can't wait to get you home."
Her nails trail over my ribs as she rises on her toes."Me too."
I lean in to kiss those tempting lips, but an obnoxiously loud chirp interrupts us.
"Your ride has arrived."Brian stands in the doorway, trademark smirk in place.
"Where's Amanda?"Alisha asks."She was supposed to come too.Don't tell me you pissed her off again?"
Brian's smile falters.Before I can stop her, Alisha pounces.
"What do you think about Amanda going out with Steven?"
"What?That dickless rooster asked her out?"
"They clicked when he visited me," Alisha says with calculated innocence."He's kind.And there's no other man stepping up to ask her out."
I clear my throat, uncomfortable with where this is heading.
"See?Bulldozer hates the rooster too," Brian says, gesturing at me.
Alisha's eyes narrow."Grow some goddamn balls, Fox.What you're doing to Amanda is cruel.Life's too short.If you want her, tell her!Otherwise, let her find someone who isn't afraid to show her how wonderful she is."
Brian's cocky facade crumbles.His body tenses as he shoves clenched fists into his pockets.
"I..."He breaks off, avoiding our eyes."If you'll excuse me."He grabs our bags and heads for the door, pausing only to add, "I visited your mom like you asked.Jeremy's...he's having a tough time dealing with what happened."
The moment he disappears, I turn to Alex."That was harsh, baby."
She lets out a frustrated breath."Yeah, well, hashtag no filter."Her attempt at humor falls flat."But honestly, Cole, everyone knows how he feels about Amanda.He's going to lose her if he keeps this up."
"Brian's a mess when it comes to love and commitment.I'll talk to him."I twirl a strand of her blonde hair between my fingers."But first, tell me – are you up for stopping by my mom's?We can do it together."
Her eyes soften."Of course.But I know something that might help with those nerves first."
